Regarding Rush…

After having read and listened to media reaction – including Rush’s written statement – I have come to several conclusions. Let me first say that I do not think any less of Rush and neither should you. All of us are guilty of poor word choices. It’s a normal human characteristic. The only difference is that most of us don’t sit in front of a microphone on a daily basis, broadcasting our views to a national audience.

It’s really irrelevant if you agree with the apology or not. Some have called it a cave. Some have seen it as damage control. Regardless, he issued the apology and seems prepared to move on – despite the hemorrhaging of advertisers. With that being said, Rush did what many liberals would not. He did what Bill Maher has not and will not with regard to Sarah Palin. There is something to be said for that. If you haven’t done so already, take a few moments to read the official statement:

For over 20 years, I have illustrated the absurd with absurdity, three hours a day, five days a week. In this instance, I chose the wrong words in my analogy of the situation. I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke.

I think it is absolutely absurd that during these very serious political times, we are discussing personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress. I personally do not agree that American citizens should pay for these social activities. What happened to personal responsibility and accountability? Where do we draw the line? If this is accepted as the norm, what will follow? Will we be debating if taxpayers should pay for new sneakers for all students that are interested in running to keep fit? In my monologue, I posited that it is not our business whatsoever to know what is going on in anyone’s bedroom nor do I think it is a topic that should reach a Presidential level.

My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir. I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices.

As Gene pointed out, Rush should have taken a closer look at the transcript. During Nancy Pelosi’s dog and pony show, Fluke pointed out all the issues and problems that other women were experiencing at Georgetown, but she never mentioned her own sexual escapades directly. Rush doubled down on Fluke’s individual actions, but she never actually verbalized anything about herself during the press conference. In this sense, he headed down a rabbit hole.

However, the substance of his overall argument was spot-on. Fluke has a history of activism and the Democrats trotted her out in an attempt to promote their liberal agenda and continue to distract from the real issue at hand – which is not Republicans (or anyone else for that matter) denying women access to their contraception. The real issue is Barack Obama’s lack of regard for the First Amendment, religious institutions, and their doctrines. Fluke was simply a pawn being used for the bigger picture – the stifling of religious liberty and Obama’s continued strong-arming of those whom he has disagreements with.

Just to clear the air: We do not have a shortage of birth control or condoms in the United States nor are women being stopped from accessing these contraceptives. Don’t believe me? Just visit your local health office or Planned Parenthood.

Are we to flee from Rush over this incident as many of his sponsors have? No. What purpose would that serve other than putting smiles on the faces of our opposition. We’re all in this fight together. A circus-like Congressional hearing and one man’s reaction to it do not justify a month long distraction from the real issues nor does it justify an abandonment of that individual. Rush isn’t perfect. None of us are. But we all stand together on principle – or if we don’t yet – we will soon enough. The country is teetering on the edge of the proverbial precipice, and we’re distracted by radio monologues, feminist plants and contraception.